Booing hurts both on and off the field.

By Rich Milgram, CEO, Nexxt, Inc. I recently read an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer referring to comments, made by Philadelphia Phillies Jimmy Rollins (MVP 2007), regarding booing of teammates at Citizens Bank Park by the Philadelphia Fans. I grew up in Philadelphia and have watched Philadelphia sports teams enthusiastically since I was a little kid. Before my time, my grandfather had Phillies season tickets at Connie Mack Stadium that over time became season tickets at Veterans Stadium for my father and now Citizens Bank Park for me. With all of the passion I have for Philadelphia, I have never considered myself a “Philly Fan.” In fact, to me, that label has had a negative connotation since I can remember. Philly Fans have a tendency to let their voices be heard regardless of the situation or circumstance. At times, this can be extremely uplifting, as it was during games at the end of last year when we won the League Championship. In many cases however, those that choose to boo the team or teammates during a slump can ruin the game or even the season for all of us. In the business world, it is a known fact that yelling or negative remarks to an employee does not improve his/her performance. In fact, in most cases it can have the exact opposite effect. Imagine sitting at your desk, working on the computer while someone stands behind you and yells at the top of his lungs: “You are no good and your work stinks.” Do you think that you would be able to focus? Do you think that you would be able to get the job done? Now picture dozens, hundreds or even thousands of people in your home town doing it at the same time. The fact is that most of us would either crumble under the pressure or be smart enough to wait until the yelling stopped to get back to work. A select few employees would turn around and lash back (and probably be fired the next day). For the Phillies, the only choice they have is to continue to try to perform. They can’t wait until the booing stops to get in the batter’s box and they also can’t turn around and lash back at the fans (one exception: Maple Leafs Tie Domi against the Flyers). The fans that choose to boo the home team can ruin it for all of us. I’m not just talking about the annoying yelling in my ear or the words that my kids shouldn’t hear; I am talking about a possible direct correlation between the constant, targeted booing and the resulting individual performance. I took a look at some stats and found it very interesting that Pat Burrell, Eric Bruntlett and Carlos Ruiz are all hitting better at away games than at home. Pat who did not receive a good welcome at the beginning of the season is hitting .224 at home and .307 on the road. Eric Bruntlett who had a rough start this year filling in for Jimmy Rollins is hitting .194 at home and .242 away. In addition, Carlos Ruiz who shares the catchers spot with likable Chris Coste, is hitting .194 at home and .237 away. Correct me if I am wrong, but isn’t Citizens Bank Park a hitters ballpark? In 1998, I started PhillyJobs.com, a local job board, and have been fortunate enough to grow that business nationally as Nexxt, since named as one of the Best Places to Work in Philadelphia. Over the years, we have focused on getting the best performance out of our own employees through encouragement and support and have advocated the exact same to the companies and job seekers that use our services. Time and time again it has been proven that positive re-enforcement yields positive results. Below are some good suggestions for any manager (or Philly Fan) to get the most out of their team: Recognition should be given for a job well done. Offer encouragement and support when one is not performing at his best. Criticism should be done constructively and privately. If it is not done this way, then it shouldn’t be done at all. In 2008, after his MVP Award last year, Jimmy Rollins has received accolades and cheers from sold out crowds. Not surprisingly, Jimmy is hitting an impressive.310 at home compared to .238 on the road. When he comes back to Philly on Tuesday, I would expect that the reception will be mixed with emphatic boos over taking any cheers. It should be interesting to see how he performs at home over the next several games. Jimmy can overcome adversity, but don’t think for a minute that he can’t hear you or that it doesn’t affect him. I look forward to seeing another championship here in Philadelphia. By showing encouragement and support, the players batting averages may rise here at home and that day could come a bit sooner.